Beef and 2 Seafood Hor Fun (Best Singaporean Flat Rice Noodles in Gravy)

Posted on

Beef and Seafood Hor Fun Recipe

Singaporean, Mains

0.0 from 0 votes

Imagine stepping into a bustling hawker center in Malaysia or Singapore, where the air is thick with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling dishes being expertly prepared. Among the symphony of noise and culinary delights, one dish stands out with a rich history and diverse flavors: Hor Fun.

Picture a steaming plate of glistening rice noodles, tender slices of meat and two types of seafood, covered in a delicate yet flavorful gravy. But before we look at the recipe, let’s uncover the savory origins and varieties of this culinary masterpiece.

The story of Hor Fun is as rich and layered as the dish itself. Originating from the kitchens of Guangdong, China, this noodle dish made its way across Southeast Asia, evolving with each new region it encountered. From the bustling streets of Penang to the vibrant food stalls of Singapore’s hawker centers, this dish has become a staple that reflects the cultural melting pot of these regions.

Let’s look at the history and the various regional twists that have turned this simple dish into a international comfort food. We’ll explore the main ingredients that give this meal its distinctive taste and texture, from the silky-smooth rice noodles to the savory soy-based sauces and fresh local produce. Prepare to be tantalized, where every bite tells a story.

enjoy hor fun at a singaporean hawker stall
Enjoying Hor Fun at a Singaporean Hawker Stall

Hor Fun in Singapore: Hawker Center Sensation

In Singapore, hawker centers are the heart and soul of the local food scene. These bustling open-air food courts are where locals and tourists alike gather to indulge in a wide array of delectable dishes. Among the myriad of options available, hor fun stands out as a taste sensation. Whether you’re a fan of seafood, meat, or vegetarian fare, there’s a variation of the dish to satisfy every palate.

One popular variation is the Seafood, which features succulent prawns, tender squid, and plump fish slices atop a bed of silky rice noodles. The seafood is stir-fried to perfection before being combined with the noodles and drenched in a rich gravy that’s bursting with umami flavors. Each mouthful is an explosion of taste and texture, with the delicate sweetness of the seafood complementing the savory notes of the gravy.

If you prefer something meatier, look no further than the Chicken or the Beef. Tender slices of chicken or beef are cooked together with vegetables such as bean sprouts and chives before being piled onto a mound of smooth rice noodles. The dish is then generously drizzled with a fragrant soy-based sauce that adds depth and complexity to every bite.

The Origins of Hor Fun: From Guangdong to Southeast Asia

The dish traces its roots back to Guangdong province in southern China. Originally known as “watt tan hor” or “smooth egg sauce” due to its signature silky texture and egg-based gravy. It was brought over by Chinese immigrants who settled in Southeast Asia during the early 20th century.

As these immigrants adapted their recipes to suit local tastes and ingredients, hor fun began to evolve into different regional variations across countries like Malaysia and Singapore. Each region put its own unique spin on the dish, resulting in a diverse range of flavors and cooking techniques.

a map of a city
Caricature map of Singapore

Evolution of Hor Fun Across Different Regions

In Malaysia, Penang-style is a beloved local favorite. This version features wider rice noodles that are stir-fried over high heat to achieve a slightly charred and smoky flavor. The dish is often topped with juicy slices of pork or chicken, along with crunchy bean sprouts and fragrant garlic chives.

Singapore hor fun has its own take on the dish, with the famous “wok hei” or “breath of the wok” technique playing a crucial role in creating the perfect plate. The intense heat from the wok imparts a smoky aroma and caramelization to the noodles, elevating their flavor to new heights. Singaporean hor fun often includes ingredients like sliced beef, shrimp, or even clams for a seafood twist.

Hor Fun in Malaysia: A Culinary Delight

Malaysia boasts a vibrant food culture that draws inspiration from its multicultural heritage. Noodles such as Char Kway Teow and Laksa are popular dishes as is the Hor Fun. The Hor Fun has become an integral part of this culinary landscape, delighting locals and visitors alike with its tantalizing flavors.

In the state of Penang. It consists of flat rice noodles that are typically served in a flavorful gravy. The dish is often topped with a variety of ingredients such as shredded chicken, prawns, and greens. The noodles are cooked until they are soft and tender, with a gravy made from chicken or seafood stock, flavored with herbs and spices. The gravy includes soy sauce or chili for added taste. Hor Fun is known for its smooth texture and is often enjoyed as a comforting meal.

Varieties of Hor Fun: Meat, Seafood, and Vegetarian Options

Hor fun offers something for everyone, including those who prefer vegetarian options. Vegetable Hor Fun is a delightful choice for plant-based eaters. It typically consists of stir-fried vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, and carrots, served on a bed of silky rice noodles. The dish is often finished with a light soy-based sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, Spicy Hor Fun is a must-try. This fiery version incorporates chili paste or fresh chili peppers into the gravy, adding a kick to every mouthful. The spiciness pairs well with the smoothness of the noodles and creates a harmonious balance of flavors.

The Art of Making Hor Fun Noodles

The key to achieving the perfect hor fun noodles lies in the preparation of the rice noodles. Traditionally, they are made by grinding rice into a fine flour and mixing it with water to form a smooth batter. This batter is then poured onto large flat pans and steamed until set. Once cooled, the solidified sheet of rice noodle is cut into wide strips or folded into rolls.

Modern manufacturing techniques have made it easier to produce the noodles on a larger scale, but some hawkers still prefer to make their own from scratch to ensure quality and authenticity. The handmade noodles have a distinct texture that sets them apart from their factory-made counterparts.

hor fun ingredients
The ingredients used for Hor Fun

Signature Sauces and Flavors of Hor Fun

The success of any hor fun dish hinges on its signature sauces and flavors.

Beef

You’ll want to select quick-cooking cuts of beef since we will be flash frying. Since different regions may refer to the same cut of meat by various names, you might want to look up the following terms if you’re unfamiliar with them:

  • Sirloin – lean and boneless, perfect for quick cooking, and one of my favorites.
  • Rib Eye – known for its rich flavor but is also fattier.
  • Fillet Steaks – extremely lean and tender.
  • Rump Steaks – these are firmer yet packed with flavor.
  • Feather Steaks – sourced from the blade, these cuts are less common and relatively affordable. I really enjoy them as they provide excellent flavor without breaking the bank.

Soy Sauce

We are using 3 different types of soy sauces in this recipe. Sweet, light and dark. While you can make it with one or two, the combination if then three gives this dish an amazing depth and breadth of flavor.

Seafood

Two types of seafood are used in this dish. Prawn and squid. You can use one or both. Both give the dish a richness in flavor. A sweetness of prawn and the chewy textures and slaty taste of squid.

Eggs

A step that really makes this dish is adding a lightly beaten egg and gently stirring it into the sauce right at the very end of the cooking process. This addition can help in further thickening the sauce or gravy, enhancing its texture and richness, before you pour it over the noodles to complete your dish.

Hor Fun Garnishes and Accompaniments

No dish is complete without a selection of garnishes and accompaniments to enhance the overall dining experience. Common garnishes include freshly chopped spring onions, which add a burst of freshness, and crispy fried shallots, which provide a delightful crunch.

To balance out the richness of the dish, many fans enjoy pairing it with pickled green chili or sliced red chili for a touch of tanginess and heat. These condiments not only elevate the flavors but also add visual appeal to the plate.

The Seafood and Beef Hor Fun Recipe

beef and 2 seafood hor fun (best singaporean flat rice noodles in gravy) 1beef and 2 seafood hor fun (best singaporean flat rice noodles in gravy) 2

Beef and 2 Seafood Hor Fun (Best Singaporean Flat Rice Noodles in Gravy)

Recipe by HolisticJB
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: MainCuisine: SingaporeanDifficulty: Medium
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

250

kcal
Total time

30

minutes

Singapore Beef and Seafood Hor Fun recipe. Enjoy tender, flat rice noodles drenched in a luscious, velvety sauce, all prepared in just 30 minutes!

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • Noodles
  • 14 oz 400 g rice noodles

  • 1 clove 1 clove garlic

  • 1 Tbsp 1 Tbsp kicap manis

  • 1 Tbsp 1 Tbsp light soy sauce

  • 1 tsp 1 tsp peanut oil

  • Beef
  • 7 oz 200 g beef

  • 1 Tbsp 1 Tbsp light soy sauce

  • 1 tsp 1 tsp Chinese Rice wine

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp white pepper

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp cornstarch

  • Sauce
  • 2 cups 500 ml chicken stock

  • 1 tsp 1 tsp light soy sauce

  • 1 tsp 1 tsp dark soy sauce

  • 1 Tbsp 1 Tbsp oyster sauce

  • pinch pinch sugar

  • 2 Tbsp 2 Tbsp cornstarch

  • 2 Tbsp 2 Tbsp water

  • Everything Else
  • 2 2 squid tubes

  • 8 8 prawns

  • 4 4 pak choi

  • 1 Tbsp 1 Tbsp peanut oil

  • 1 tsp 1 tsp sesame oil

  • pinch pinch white pepper

  • 1 1 egg

beef and 2 seafood hor fun (best singaporean flat rice noodles in gravy) 3beef and 2 seafood hor fun (best singaporean flat rice noodles in gravy) 4

Directions

  • Prepare Ingredients
  • Drizzle the sweet and light soy sauces all over the noodles and mix thoroughly, without breaking up the noodles. This is best done with your hands. Set aside.noodles and soy sauce
  • Slice the beef up thinly and add all the other ingredients to the beef strips and mix thoroughly. Again, best done with your hands. Set aside to marinate.beef ingredients
  • Slice up the squid tubes into thin rings. Clean and de-vein the prawns, leaving the shells or at least the tails intact. The shells help to add flavor to the hor fun sauce. If your vegetables are large, cut them up in two, separating the green leaves from the stems. Otherwise, leave them whole.seafood and vegetable ingredients
  • Start Cooking
  • In a wok, heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over high heat and sauté the garlic for 15 seconds. Add the noodles and stir-fry for 2 minutes, making sure to toss and stir continuously. After 2 minutes, you’ll notice some noodles may be sticking together, indicating they are ready. Transfer them to a serving plate and keep warm on the stovetop while you prepare the rest of your dish.noodles ingredients
  • In the same wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat and swiftly stir-fry the beef strips for 2 to 3 minutes. Aim for the beef to be cooked through but still slightly pink in the center. If you prefer your beef to be well done, feel free to cook it longer. Once done, pour the cooked beef strips over the noodles, including any juices and fat from the wok. Keep everything warm.beef
  • In the same wok, with no added oil, wilt the vegetables for about 20-30 seconds, then add the vegetables into the beef and noodles.bok choi
  • Combine the chicken stock, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar in the wok, then bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, add the prawns and cook for one minute. Next, incorporate the squid and continue cooking for another minute.hor fun gravy
  • Miz the cornstarch with water and add to the wok, while continuously stirring until the sauce reaches a thick consistency. Finally add the beaten egg, stir and remove from heat. Drizzle sesame oil evenly and add a pinch of white pepper. Pour the sauce over the noodles and serve right away.beef and seafood hor fun
beef and 2 seafood hor fun (best singaporean flat rice noodles in gravy) 5beef and 2 seafood hor fun (best singaporean flat rice noodles in gravy) 6

Equipment

  • wokCarbon Steel Wok Traditional Hand Hammered Wok,14 InchBuy Now!
  • platesTequila Sunrise Serving PlatesBuy Now
  • wokHand Hammered Carbon Steel WokBuy Now

Notes

  • If bok choi is not your favorite vegetable simply add any Chinese leafy green or spinach.
  • If you are not keen to find and slice squid you can substitute it with fish cake or sliced fish ball

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1g
  • Total number of serves: 4
  • Calories: 250kcal
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Potassium: 400mg
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Vitamin A: 500IU
  • Vitamin C: 30mg
  • Calcium: 150mg
  • Iron: 2mg

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @healthynatured on Instagram and hashtag it with #asiaflavor

Like this recipe?

Follow @healthynatured on Pinterest

Join our Facebook Page!

Follow Taste of Asia Flavor on Facebook

Conclusion: Embracing the Diversity and Delight of Hor Fun

From its humble origins in Guangdong to its widespread popularity across Southeast Asia, hor fun has truly become a culinary delight that embodies diversity and cultural fusion. Whether you’re savoring a plate of Seafood Hor Fun in Singapore or indulging in Penang-style Char Kway Teow in Malaysia, each bite tells a story of history, heritage, and passion.

So next time you find yourself at a hawker center or exploring the vibrant food scene of Southeast Asia, be sure to seek out this savory sensation. Let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable journey through the myriad flavors and textures that make hor fun an enduring favorite among locals and visitors alike.

a bowl of soup with meat and vegetables
Beef and Seafood Hor Fun Recipe

Tags:

beef hor fun / hawker / hor fun / noodles / street food

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment